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I have long wondered why Mount Kilimanjaro is marketed as an uncomplicated tourist activity, presented as broadly accessible and almost routine, even though it is a high altitude environment where the margin for error is narrow and the consequences of poor decisions can be serious. The idea that it is a mountain almost anyone can climb with enough determination has become so normalized that it rarely invites scrutiny, despite the way it shapes pricing, itineraries, and expectations.
The more time I have spent around Kilimanjaro, the clearer it has become that safety on the mountain is largely determined long before anyone sets foot on the trail. It is built into choices about itinerary length, acclimatization pace, group size, staffing, and the pressure placed on reaching the summit. These decisions are often made far from Tanzania, guided by marketing narratives and cost considerations rather than by the realities of operating at altitude.
When incidents occur, responsibility does not fall evenly across an expedition. It concentrates on local guides and porters who must manage health emergencies, rapidly changing weather, and difficult judgment calls in an environment where mistakes have immediate consequences. Kilimanjaro depends entirely on local labor, yet the dominant narrative continues to frame the climb as an individual achievement rather than a collective effort sustained by the experience and risk borne by others.
Most guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters work as freelancers, paid per climb and dependent on seasonal demand. Despite this uncertainty, they carry the greatest responsibility on the mountain. They monitor acclimatization, recognize early signs of altitude illness, and decide when to slow down or turn back. Their judgment is what keeps people safe, yet the pressure to deliver summits often overrides the authority their role requires.
This is where ethical questions emerge. When climbs are rushed to reduce costs or to protect summit success rates, risk does not disappear but is transferred downward to those with the least power to refuse it. Framing Kilimanjaro as simple or universally accessible allows these dynamics to remain largely invisible, even though they shape outcomes on the mountain.
Over time, this has led me to question how a responsible Kilimanjaro climb should be designed. Rather than measuring success primarily by whether the summit is reached, a well designed expedition prioritizes adequate acclimatization, manageable group sizes, and leadership structures that respect local expertise. Within this approach, porter welfare is not a secondary concern but a central element of safety for everyone involved.
I also believe responsibility should not end at the park gate. Kilimanjaro exists within a lived landscape shaped by communities whose lives are affected by tourism and environmental change. When climbs conclude without any engagement beyond wages and park fees, they remain extractive in practice, even when intentions are good. Some expeditions now extend the journey beyond the descent by connecting climbers with practical, community led initiatives, such as clean energy access, that respond to real needs and are implemented through local systems.
Because of these experiences, I wrote a comprehensive guide that examines how Kilimanjaro climbing is structured, how safety and labor intersect, and why responsibility should extend beyond the summit rather than ending at the gate. The full analysis is on my website: [Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro With Purpose: A Responsible Guide to Safety and Community Impact](www.visitnatives.com/post/climbing-mount-kilimanjaro-with-purpose-a-responsible-guide-to-safety-and-community-impact).
For those working in adventure travel or expedition design, the question is no longer simply whether people should continue climbing Kilimanjaro, but whether summit success should remain the primary measure of a good climb, or whether the model itself needs to change.
My name is Anniina Sandberg. I am an anthropologist and the founder of Visit Natives, a travel company focused on community led and field based experiences. I have worked in Northern Tanzania and around Mount Kilimanjaro, spending time with mountain crews and communities connected to the tourism economy there.
I wrote this piece after repeatedly seeing how safety on Kilimanjaro is shaped less by individual climbers and more by structural decisions made long before anyone reaches the mountain. This article is a shortened reflection on those observations. I have also written a much more comprehensive guide that looks in detail at how Kilimanjaro climbing is designed, how labor and safety intersect, and what responsibility can realistically look like beyond the summit, which I link to in the post for anyone who wants to go deeper:
I would genuinely welcome perspectives from others working in adventure travel, guiding, or expedition design. Where do you think responsibility on a mountain like Kilimanjaro should begin, and where should it end?
Thousands of travelers fly to Tanzania every year to attempt to climb the highest point on the African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro (5.895 meters). Some of them return home without reaching the summit. This happens for a variety of reasons,
One is to forget that Kilimanjaro climbing isn't something you can do it by yourself you need a crew and crew need you as well, As Kilimanjaro local Toour Guide over experience of 10 years and above I have this statements during a brief to my team and cleats.
The mountain never bows down for anyone, so please I have special request
SPECIAL REQUEST: Please, remember we are all climbing as a team and a family and therefore should be ready and willing to assist each other during the trekking whenever the need arises.
Jambo, I'm Maria, a travel and content creator living in Zanzibar since 2019.
Living in Zanzibar is wonderful — the beaches, spice farms, and vibrant culture are incredible and the people care deeply about their home. But like many popular destinations, the island faces challenges with waste management, recycling, and energy.
I'd like to open up a discussion about sustainable tourism initiatives in Zanzibar and invite other members to share their experiences or feedback.
Here's two topics I want to share my thoughts on: plastic waste, and clean energy.
Plastic waste
Plastic waste is a big problem, and when you visit, they remind you not to bring plastic bags inside the island. Many people are aware of the impact of plastic on the environment and marine life.
Interestingly, the local community has found creative ways to recycle and repurpose garbage; Plastic bottles and containers are reused and transformed into new products.
There are also glass recycling initiatives. Companies collect old glass bottles, like wine bottles, and turn them into a new glass products, giving a second life to what would otherwise become waste.
We often hear that tourism equals garbage - but it doesn't have to be this way. Tourism brings income, jobs, and cultural exchange, but it can be done sustainably. Hotels, businesses, residents, and visitors who prioritize recycling, reducing plastic, and reusing resources can make a huge difference.
Despite local efforts, garbage collection and awareness are still inconsistent, and require the collaboration between residents, businesses, visitors, and the government.
Clean energy
One thing you might notice when visiting is that electricity here can still be unpredictable. Many hotels still face power outages, especially during busy tourist season. The reality is that almost all hotels in Zanzibar rely on diesel generators. While generators provide electricity, they are expensive, noisy, and polluting. This means, that when fuel supplies are low on equipment fails, hotels can experience blackouts.
My husband works in the solar business, and we often talk about this topic. He tells me that many hotels still don't believe in solar - when they see the cost, they immediately drop the idea. We are in 2025, why don't more hotels use solar power?
Well, there are a few reasons.
The problem is they don't see the long term-benefits. Solar power can save money, reduce reliance on generators, and make businesses more sustainable. Some hotels have started using solar, and it's inspiring to see, but many are still hesitant.
Another reason for frequent power issues is that Zanzibar depends on electricity imported from mainland Tanzania. If there's a disruption in the national grid, the island feels the impact, and the reliance on generators becomes even more critical.
The government is aware of the issue and has introduced programs to encourage renewable energy, including tax breaks and pilot projects. However, implementation is slow, and many hotel owners either don't know about these programs or hesitate to invest. Awareness is key - many business simply don't realize the economic and environmental benefits of switching to solar.
For travelers; support eco-friendly hotels, enjoy the island, and know that Zanzibar has the potential to become a solar-powered paradise. With awareness, innovation, and responsible tourism, the island can maintain its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and natural beauty for the generations to come.
If you've traveled to Zanzibar please share your experience from a sustainable tourism perspective, I'd be glad to hear about it!
As some of you might know, I develop and maintain the Travel Massive platform (that you're using right now) that helps everyone connect and publish their projects in our community. It's a huge project as you might imagine!
This year I'd like to implement some AI features so I'm asking the community for their suggestions about what we could build — the more wild the idea, the better!
👉 What are some of the things you would ask "Travel Massive AI" if I built it?
For example: could an AI feature help find and match you with members in the community to do business with? Could it search our database of companies to find a new distribution partner? Could it help you find a new affiliate network suitable for your blog or website?
The possibilities with AI are endless and could give our platform super powers!
Please share your ideas on our feedback form at travelmassive.com/ai so I can keep track of your suggestions. You can also comment here if you'd like to discuss your ideas.
Thanks for helping create Travel Massive and I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas.
Trove Tourism Development Advisors and Adara recently released a report on the 2026 US Outbound Market for Destination Marketers.
The report draws from data across Adara's partner network and highlights recent shifts in US outbound travel intent into 2026, followed by analysis and recommendations.
Here's a few highlights that I found interesting:
• Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic collectively represent 41% of US outbound bookings from the present through April 2026.
• The proportion of bookings exceeding one week has grown by double digits.
• Trip durations to APAC are approximately 3x longer than those to Latin America.
• Group and MICE business is one of the most efficient ways to grow high-yield arrivals.
• DMOs are operating in a landscape where sentiment moves quickly – driven by news cycles, safety perceptions, social media discourse, and creator commentary. The old model of tourism PR – sending out press releases, hosting occasional group press trips, and counting “clips” – does not work in this environment.
The report includes a list of insightful recommendations including DO's and DON'Ts for working with influencers and creators. On the creator front, the report affirms that discovery is "video first" and social platforms are the primary discovery tool for many travelers. Nothing new there, but hopefully more DMOs take note.
Request your copy at www.trovetourism.com/news/2026-us-outbound-market-guide
I hope others find this report helpful!
Requested! Thanks!
Very helpful research. Trove has some good research pieces
Video has been first for awhile now - glad to see it confirmed here.
Hi Travel Massive community,
My name is Shivam, and I am the founder of Map Your Voyage. I began my software engineering career in Singapore in 2016. After seven years in Singapore, my focus turned to full-time work on my India-based startup.
The idea came from a problem I faced myself—I had around 12,000 saved posts on Instagram, all sitting in the default "Saved" folder. When I wanted to visit a specific country, there was no easy way to figure out which posts were from that country.
Even if I managed to find them, I still had to rewatch all the reels and posts, jot down the locations manually, and figure out how to include them in my itinerary—a process that was incredibly time-consuming. That's what inspired me to create Map Your Voyage.
With Map Your Voyage, you can simply DM your favorite travel reels to our Instagram account while scrolling, and we’ll handle the heavy lifting — detecting locations from each reel and organizing them into country-specific bucket lists. When you’re ready to travel, you can turn these bucket lists into an itinerary in just a few minutes.
I’d love to get your feedback, suggestions, or general thoughts on this! Happy to answer any questions and connect with people across the community.
Thanks,
Shivam
Hi Shivam,
Thanks for sharing Map Your Voyage and welcome to the Travel Massive community.
The explainer video is very helpful and I encourage anyone else interested in your idea to watch the video.
Is there a simpler way to share the videos (e.g. share the reel URL to an external service or website) or is there a technical reason why you require people to DM to another account? This onboarding friction could slow down growing your platform.
Do you have any interesting insights so far about what kinds of journeys and bucketlists people are generating? e.g. top countries, places? And what tech did you build the platform in?
Well done!
Hi Ian,
Thank you for the warm welcome and for taking the time to review Map Your Voyage—your feedback means a lot. We're grateful for your thoughtful questions, and I'll address them below.
On sharing reels more simply:
You're spot on about onboarding friction, and we're actively exploring ways to minimize it. Currently, logged-in users can paste Instagram reel links directly into our search bar here: mapyourvoyage.com/app/build-itinerary-from-travel-content, which works seamlessly. We've prioritized DMs to our Instagram as the quickest option for users saving content on the fly—it's one less step while scrolling, and it helps us stand out as a unique solution. That said, we recognize it might not suit everyone, so a native app integration is on our roadmap if demand grows that will allow users to open Instagram links in our iOS OR android app to add locations to their bucket list.
On user insights for journeys and bucket lists:
We have analytics in place to track this, but with our focus until recently on building core features, we don't yet have enough data for meaningful trends (e.g., top countries or spots). As we ramp up marketing, I'll circle back with some exciting early insights.
Tech stack:
It's a lean, self-hosted setup: Next.js (frontend/backend), Postgres, Memcached, Redis, NATS for messaging, Bunny CDN, and Cloudflare. We host on Hetzner for its rock-solid reliability at a fraction of AWS/GCP costs—keeps us agile as an early-stage startup.
Thanks again for the kind words and encouragement, Ian.
Best,
Shivam
Hi Shivan - you’re an absolute genius! I love this idea and I’m planning to try it later this week. If it works well for me, I’ll start recommending it right away ❤️
I also agree with Ian's comment, and it’s great that you’re offering another option. I’m not very technical, but one thought: I save reels into collections and organize them by country (e.g. Bulgaria, Italy, etc.). Each collection has its own URL, so if there were a way to share a full collection link rather than individual reels, that would be incredibly handy.
Love the concept - wishing you the best of luck with it!
Hi Stefani,
Wow, thank you so much for the kind words—you just made my day! I'm thrilled you're excited to try Map Your Voyage and would consider recommending it. As a fellow travel enthusiast, that's exactly the kind of feedback that keeps us going.
Your collection idea is brilliant and spot on—I love how you're already organizing reels by country like that. It's a fantastic suggestion, and while we don't support full collection links yet, it's now top of our wishlist. In the meantime, pasting individual reel URLs or DMing them works great for building those itineraries. Can't wait to hear how it goes for you this week!
Wishing Kiss My Backpack all the success—let's stay connected and chat more about any feedbacks, suggestions or feature requests you might have.
Hi again 🙂 I was actually thinking about your project after replying, and another idea popped into my head.
I also save travel videos on TikTok and Facebook, and I’ve noticed that my saved content is different on all three platforms. It would be very cool if there were a way to somehow bring those together, so you get the full picture when planning a trip rather than bits and pieces from just one platform.
Anyway, really excited to try Map Your Voyage this week. And thank you for your support too 🙂
Hi Stefani, this is actually a great idea! Thank you for sharing. TikTok was already something we were planning to add but I haven't looked into facebook so far. :)
Just curious out of the 3 options below, what will be your preferred way to add content+locations from different platforms?
1. Sending DMs to our account within the app. In this option, you never have to leave the social media app. You can just keep scrolling & keep sending DMs.
2. Visiting our website & copy pasting links from different platforms.
3. Clicking share from inside the social media app & then opening the link in our iOS or android app. Just to be clear we do not have a native app at the moment but we plan to have this in future.
Also looking forward to hear from you once you try out the app. It would be great if you can share the feedback with me through email here: hello@mapyourvoyage.com
Travel demand is not disappearing - it is redistributing. In 2026, travelers are making more intentional choices about where they go and how they get there, driven by infrastructure upgrades, surface-first behavior, and shifting traveler priorities.
Drawing on insights from 600M+ global users and regional experts, Rome2Rio’s 2026 Travel + Mobility Trends Report outlines the behavioral shifts reshaping demand worldwide, including:
- Hidden-gem destinations replacing major hubs
- Scenic trains and ferries becoming the travel flex, with #TrainTok leading the way
- Sleeper trains and night buses helping travelers chase daylight
- Regional loops replacing frantic city-hopping
- Adventure travel evolving toward purpose-driven, transformational experiences
- Surface-first routes replacing short flights
The report explores what these shifts mean for destinations, operators, and mobility providers, and where opportunity lies as travel becomes more distributed, surface-led, and experience-driven.
Access the full 2026 Travel + Mobility Trends Report here: drive.google.com/file/d/1CxFoOc6NqfZm3_Hb2tLjONfWOGckuY7F/view.
Reach out with any questions.
Fascinating insights. How are destinations and operators best adapting to capture this surface-first, regional-loop demand without losing accessibility for first-time visitors?
Younger generations are becoming very intentional where they spend their travel dollars (and spend in general).
Which trend are you most excited about in 2026? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🎄
Here's my Hospitality Trends for 2026:
1. AI-powered personalization
2. Authentic sustainability
3. F&B innovation
4. Reputation management
5. Integrated technology
6. Wellness & well-being
7. Whycation guest experiences
8. Work + Leisure Blending ("Bleisure")
Working at a SaaS reputation management company, I know that reputation management cannot be ignored by hotels, travelers and guests expect empathy and loyalty. Another trend I’m looking forward to is F&B innovation 🥗, which stands out as a key highlight.
Hi everyone, I'm Yakub Birungi from the Travel Massive Uganda Chapter
I'm visiting the Netherlands to network at VAKANTIE beurs 2026
I am avaliable only today at Uganda stand 07.E110
Hey Yakub! I’m not there unfortunately- how long will you stay in the Netherlands?
Hi Tobias. Travel massive Greetings. I return home on Saturday 10th.I will not attend the travel show Tommorrow but I will be available in Amsterdam all day tomorrow.
You can get in touch +256779262990
Kiss My Backpack is an English-language website designed to help international visitors plan their trip to Bulgaria. The platform provides practical, local knowledge that explains how things actually work on the ground, addresses common concerns and misconceptions, and answers real planning questions.
Hi everyone! I’m Stef, founder of Kiss My Backpack, a Bulgaria-focused travel platform for English-speaking travelers. I work at the intersection of destination content, SEO, and local storytelling. Happy to continue the discussion here.
Why I built an English-language travel brand for Bulgaria
Bulgaria consistently surprises visitors, and yet it remains largely absent from mainstream travel conversations.
As someone living and working in the country, I kept noticing the same pattern: first-time visitors arrive with very little information, outdated expectations, and almost no context about what Bulgaria actually offers. When they leave, they’re often enthusiastic advocates, but the discovery happens by accident, not design.
That gap is what led me to create Kiss My Backpack: an English-language travel platform focused entirely on Bulgaria, built specifically for foreign travelers who are actively planning a trip.
The problem - An underrated destination with limited tourism storytelling
Bulgaria has strong raw assets - mountains, ski resorts, thermal spas, historic cities, wine regions, and relatively low costs (although the latter is changing rapidly). But compared to neighbouring destinations, its international tourism marketing is fragmented and inconsistent.
Much of the existing information available in English is either:
- outdated
- overly generic
- written without local context
- or focused on price rather than experience
For travelers used to well-packaged destinations, this creates friction at the planning stage. Not because Bulgaria lacks appeal, but because it lacks clear, trustworthy storytelling.
The solution - A local-first approach, written for foreign tourists
The core idea behind my brand is simple: local knowledge, translated into practical content for international readers.
That means:
- explaining how things actually work on the ground
- addressing common concerns and misconceptions
- focusing on clarity over hype
- and building evergreen content that answers real planning questions
The goal is to become a reliable entry point for people discovering Bulgaria that adds true value for future or returning visitors.
Question - A broader question for the travel industry
Building a destination-focused platform for a lesser-promoted country has made me reflect on a broader issue.
1. As travelers or industry professionals, have you noticed how often genuinely interesting destinations lack clear, practical information, while research results are dominated by the same generic content everywhere?
2. Do you feel there’s value in locally written, experience-led platforms that focus on useful context and real tips, rather than surface-level inspiration?
I’d love to hear how others approach this; both from the traveler and industry side!
And happy holidays everyone :)
Hi Stefani! Nice to find your blog.
Experiences with helpful advice will always have more power and dominance; however, marketing, social media, and search engines seem to favor trends and clichéd content. This is something we have to fight against. ✊
Cheers!
Hi Nelson, and thanks for taking the time 😊
I completely agree, trends come and go. While they can help with short-term visibility, they’re rarely a sustainable long-term strategy, especially if you’re also trying to create genuinely helpful content. For me, it’s also quite time-consuming and not really what I’m aiming for.
That said, there’s been some interesting news around Google Search lately, with the latest updates reportedly favoring smaller, niched websites over the big players, particularly in e-commerce. Hopefully we’ll see the same shift in the travel industry too 🙂
Such a useful resource for first-time visitors. What are the most common misconceptions about traveling in Bulgaria that you find yourself addressing?
Thanks for the great question, Ann!
One of the most common misconceptions is that Bulgaria is unsafe, especially for solo travelers or women. In reality, it’s generally very safe and often feels calmer than many more popular Western European destinations. I often hear from visitors and friends that it feels almost strange at first to be able to walk alone at night or use their phone on the street without worrying it might get snatched.
Another common belief is that Bulgaria is extremely cheap. That information is quite outdated now, particularly in cities and popular tourist areas. That said, there are definitely nuances, and you can still find very affordable accommodation and great restaurants in different regions and rural parts of the country.
Finally, many visitors assume that Bulgarians are rude. This usually comes down to cultural differences. People here tend to be more direct and less theatrical, and most complaints are aimed at the hospitality industry in larger cities and busy tourist spots. Having grown up here, I can confidently say that people are generally lovely, hospitable, and genuinely helpful. They just do not always hide it when they are having a bad day, and you will probably notice it in their eyes. 🙂
Thanks to all Travel Massive members who attended December's [Moscow Travel Massive](www.travelmassive.com/posts/moscow-travel-massive-785920201) sponsored by NEMO. The social evening connecting 70+ leading tourism professionals in our community, including major airlines, hospitality and travel startups — with attendees visiting from St Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, and Uzbekistan.
We welcomed attendees representing tourism and travel brands across aviation, business, technology, media, and consumer travel sectors in the region.
Registrations included representative of companies:
* Major airlines: Aeroflot, S7, Ural Airlines, Smartavia and Nordstar;
* TOP OTAs: Ozon Travel, Kupibilet, T-Bank, Superkassa;
* GDS: Sirena Travel, Travelport;
* Tech providers: NEMO, ORS and Nexta;
* Business Travel: FUN&SUN Business (ex. TUI), AVT.TRAVEL and Continent Express
* Wholesalers: MoyAgent, HotelStar, Rostelecom Travel Tech
* Rising stars of travel startups: AISO, MICEter.com, Qaccess.ru and EduEm;
* Professional media: BBT Russia and TRN-News;
* Companies from Central Asia: Hotelios, Hurma and EASYBOOKING.
Thanks to our sponsor [NEMO](www.nemo.travel) who have been a market leader in digital transformation solutions for the travel industry since 2008. Over 200 companies in more than 15 countries use the Nemo platform's products, including travel agencies, online travel agencies, consolidators, tour operators, banks, and ecosystems. NEMO has been supporting events of Travel Massive Moscow Chapter since 2016.
The meetup was organized in Indian restaurant [Thali and curry](thali.me) that is located in the very center of Moscow City on the historic [Tverskaya street](maps.app.goo.gl/11gmwjGPSwBevFHg9). Thanks to restaurant owner Roman Sabirzhanov - an active member of the local community. He runs a startup called [DOMO](domohotels.ru) – a digital management company for small hotels.
— Thanks to everyone who supported the event, and wishing everyone a successful new year!
Thanks Leonid for the update from Moscow Travel Massive and it's great to see our community connecting across so many verticals of travel in the region. Thanks to your organization of the chapter, and to NEMO for sponsoring — I'm looking forward to my next visit and getting a chance to meet everyone. Wishing everyone a successful year ahead.
Ian, thanks for your support of the chapter. We are looking forward to see you in Moscow soon. I wish you and all community members a successful year.
Thanks for hosting, Leonid. These meetups are a great chance for travel industry folks to connect and share ideas in a relaxed setting. Really enjoyed it.
HERE'S THE NEXT 5 UPCOMING EVENTS:
We invite everyone to kick start 2026 with a mixer at a popular Manhattan watering hole. Don’t miss this chance to catch up with your industry colleagues and get primed for IMM and The New York Travel and Adventure Travel Show.
👉 Members with updated Travel Massive profiles (photo, bio, links) will get priority.
🍸 To make these events work at the venues we choose, the NYC team must commit to a minimum spend. Please show your respect and support for our venue partner and their staff by buying a cocktail and tipping generously, or even grab some food. 🙏
Important Housekeeping: all attendees must RSVP/ join the waitlist and we'll add as many attendees as possible
Link to event pageHappy New Year, Travel Massive Community!
We are excited to have you join us for an evening at Toronto’s Hotel X. It has been a while since we had a hotel tour and in the past, they have led to some really great partnerships. During this event, we will learn about this Library Collection hotel, a part of the World of Hyatt family, as we tour the hotel property and then gather for a social hour in the art gallery.
About Hotel X
Hotel X Toronto is a lakefront urban resort located on the historic grounds of Exhibition Place. Set across nine acres of green space, the hotel offers expansive city and lake views, resort style amenities, and a calm setting just minutes from downtown Toronto. Guests enjoy a heated rooftop pool, athletic club, spa, dining, and unique experiences designed for families, wellness focused travellers, and events of all sizes.
Learn more and make reservations at www.hotelxtoronto.com
This event is for:
• Active travel media and creators (journalists, reporters, bloggers, creators, influencers, YouTubers, podcasters)
• Travel agents and industry professionals responsible for booking accommodations and planning of events
⏰ Schedule of activities:
6:00 PM: Welcome drink in the VIP Lounge
6:15 PM: Hotel tour begins*
7:00 PM: Reception at the Kandy Gallery
7:35 PM: Giveaway winner announced
8:00 PM: Event ends
*Please make sure to arrive by 6:15 PM, we have timed tours and we can’t hold back.
🎁 Event giveaway:
Enter for a chance to win a one-night stay at Hotel X with complimentary parking 🥳 Must book within a year, blackout dates apply.
Ways to win 🎁
Share an Instagram story or feedpost telling us what you would be most excited about experiencing during a staycation at the Hotel X Toronto.
🚨 You must post by 7:15 PM on January 22, 2026. Make sure to tag and follow @travelmassiveTO and @hotelxtoronto + use hashtags #TravelMassiveToronto.
Will it be the rooms, the heated year-round rooftop pool, one of the many onsite dining options, the incredible city views, convention meeting spaces, the onsite luxury sports club (10XTO Athletic Club)? The choice is yours, especially once you see this fantastic property IRL.
Travel Trade? Post sharing what you think your clients would enjoy most!
*The winner must be present at the time of the raffle to claim the prize.
💬 Join the conversation:
Travel Massive: @travelmassiveTO #TravelMassiveToronto
Hotel X Toronto, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel: IG, FB, X & TikTok: @hotelxtoronto
🎟️ Event registration: There is a maximum capacity, so make sure to register. If there is a waitlist, we would encourage you to still sign-up in case someone is no longer able to come. If there are any cancellations, we will add people from the waitlist. In the meantime, please have a look at your Travel Massive profile and take a moment to make sure it is up to date.
🚙 Parking Underground parking is located on the east side of the building off Newfoundland Drive, between Princes’ Boulevard and Lake Shore Boulevard. Hotel X offers 411 parking spots and 23 electric car charging stations. Both Self-parking and Valet Parking are available, subject to availability. Cost is $35 per vehicle.
👉 Please note:
* All guests must be registered to attend.
* No +1s please.
* Must be an active member of the travel industry to attend with an approved and updated profile on www.travelmassive.com. Please make sure to describe what your role is in the travel industry and add associated social media and website links.
👉 Cancellations: If you are no longer able to attend, please try to release your ticket 48 hrs (2 days) before the event so others can attend. Thank you for understanding.
🚨As these events are limited capacity, we have a 3-strike no show policy.
📸 This event will be photographed by a member of a Travel Massive team or/and our event partner. If you do not wish to be photographed please let us know upon arrival.
Land acknowledgment
We wish to acknowledge the Ancestral Traditional Territories of the Ojibway, the Anishnabe and, in particular, the Mississauga’s of the New Credit whose territories we gather on. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties.
Link to event pageJoin digital nomads, global travelers and locals interested in the lifestyle in Cape Town, South Africa for a full week of inspiring keynotes, workshops, outdoor activities & social evenings.
Nomad Week Cape Town brings digital nomads, entrepreneurs, remote workers & travelers together for a week of connection, collaboration, and fun while exploring the best of Cape Town and South Africa. Along with networking and personal growth, the event focuses on immersing in the local culture, supporting local businesses, and learning about sustainable travel. It’s a chance to build lasting friendships, share knowledge, and enjoy unforgettable experiences while bridging the gap between the nomad and local communities.
Cape Town Travel Massive — we're working on a collab with Nomad Week! In the meantime, please contact @matt-gray or @fuadpeters if you'd like to get your local business involved.
Why attend?
Be inspired & learn – Listen to digital nomads from various industries share insights on topics we need to know more about like AI, Business & Sustainable Travel.
Find community – Join digital nomads and solo travelers together from all over the world to connect in one jam-packed week filled with a ton of activities.
Experience Africa – Explore Cape Town, its beautiful Winelands, the Garden Route or even go on a safari in Botswana. Don’t just sit behind a laptop – experience Africa & support local business
Empower & Integrate – Connect with the local community through empowerment initiatives such as the Digital Skills Day, Africa Pitch Competition, SA Food Market & Student Sponsorship Program.
Africa Expo — Local Connect
As a South African-founded event, we’re committed to creating lasting impact for the local community, not just hosting an event. Thursday is the Africa Expo, dedicated to empowering and uplifting South Africans
• Empowering Local Entrepreneurs: 100 aspiring entrepreneurs will gain free training in digital skills and online business, plus the chance to pitch for prizes that help grow their ventures.
• Celebrating Local Culture: Experience authentic South African cuisine and handcrafted works, giving local vendors and artisans a platform to reach a global audience.
• Investing in the Next Generation: Throughout the week, we’ll promote the Nomad Africa Fund, where attendees can sponsor a local high school student’s education for an entire year, helping create pathways to a brighter future.
👉 Full program, including how to apply to be a speaker over at nomadweek.co
— See you in Cape Town this January!
Link to event pageWelcome to the 33rd ENTER eTourism conference
The International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism (IFITT) is delighted to announce Breda as the host city for the ENTER26 eTourism Conference. Nestled in the south of the Netherlands, Breda is a picturesque mid-sized city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional connectivity. Located at the crossroads of major European cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Brussels, Breda offers an easily accessible and inspiring venue for this landmark event from 27th to 30th January 2026.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFJEe91wFnc
Breda University of Applied Sciences: Our Esteemed Partner
ENTER26 will be organized by Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS), a premier higher education institution celebrated for its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. With approximately 7,500 students hailing from over 60 countries, BUAS offers 17 bachelor’s and 12 master’s programs across a diverse array of disciplines, including Tourism, Hospitality, Leisure, Gaming, Media, and Logistics.
Since its founding in 1966, BUAS has earned numerous accolades, establishing itself as a leader in applied sciences education. Its unique teaching and learning approach seamlessly integrates academic theory with practical industry experience, creating an exceptional environment for student success. More information about BUAS’s innovative programs can be found at: www.buas.nl/en
A Hub for Innovation in eTourism
As a long-standing member of the IFITT community, BUAS boasts expertise in areas such as digital experience design, digital skills development, online communication, and AI & data science in tourism. Recently, the university launched the Hospitality, Tourism, Innovation & Technology (HTIT) knowledge platform to enhance academia-industry collaboration, establish a national research agenda, and foster innovation through hubs and best practices.
Global Connections and National Leadership
BUAS is also one of the founding members of CELTH, the Dutch National Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism, and Hospitality. Furthermore, it serves as the home of ATLAS (the Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research), a global network of 150 universities committed to advancing tourism and leisure studies.
Join Us in Breda for ENTER26
IFITT and BUAS are thrilled to invite you to Breda for the ENTER26 eTourism Conference. This event promises to be an extraordinary opportunity to explore cutting-edge developments in IT and tourism, network with global experts, and immerse yourself in the inspiring atmosphere of Breda.
Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the future of eTourism in one of Europe’s most dynamic and welcoming cities. We look forward to seeing you in Breda in 2026!
For all questions regarding the conference, you can contact us at enter2026@buas.nl
👉 Learn more at ifitt.net/enter-conference/enter26/
Link to event pageJoin us for Berlin’s first Travel Massive Unconference, where the travel industry meets to learn, share and shape the conversations that matter most.
This isn’t a traditional conference. YOU set the agenda. Industry professionals propose the topics, the community votes, and together we create an evening of interactive sessions designed for real impact.
Expect:
- Inspiring sessions across tech, hospitality, destinations, media, start-ups and more.
- A chance to share your expertise or discover fresh perspectives.
- Networking with Berlin’s most engaged travel community.
Topics:
- Travel influencer marketing
- Hospitality & Innovation
- AI in Travel
Date: Jan 29, 2026
Time: 17:00 doors | 18:00–21:00 unconference discussions | 21:00–00:00 social mixer
Location: Mercure Hotel MOA Berlin
Sessions: 30 minutes each, across 3 rooms
Contributors and speakers
Dario & Dana Reichmann, Textomap
From content to interactive maps
How travel brands and creators can turn text, photos, and links into engaging, AI-powered maps.
Luca Albano, Customer Alliance
Turn Feedback into Value
Guest review insights. Key findings from over one million verified hotel reviews and what really drives guest satisfaction.
Alexander Schober, Codyco GmbH
KI-Hype vs. Realität: Das Toolset um Fettnäpfchen zu vermeiden
Ein interaktiver Workshop, der zeigt, wie du sinnvolle KI-Anwendungen vom Hype unterscheidest und konkrete Automatisierungspotenziale erkennst.
AI Hype vs. Reality: The Toolset to Avoid Pitfalls
An interactive workshop that shows you how to distinguish meaningful AI applications from hype and identify concrete automation potential.
Cristian Boiangiu, GIATA
Hotels and AI: standardising uniqueness
Why accurate, up-to-date hotel content is critical in an AI-driven travel ecosystem.
Andreas Schürrle, ADAC Travel & Event GmbH
The best travel experience nobody is selling
Why ferry travel remains overlooked and how it could be repositioned for experience-led tourism.
Steffen Beil, TourSage
AI is guiding us: the future of guided tours
How AI is reshaping city tours, storytelling, and accessibility alongside human guides.
Denisa Kostolanyiova, Stay22
Boost the passive income of your travel blog with the help of AI.
Bjorn Troch, Destination Digital
How to pitch to travel brands and tourism boards.
A practical look at how creators can price, package, and sell their content and reach more effectively.
Closing panel
A discussion about the Berlin travel industry.
Opportunities, threats, challenges and how to tackle them together.
Panel participants:
Deborah Rote, ITB Berlin director
Michaela Kehrer, Visit Berlin
BER aiport representative
Who should attend?
Anyone working in travel: hoteliers, tour operators, agents, DMOs, tech companies, travel media, influencers, cultural institutions, start-ups and beyond.
Why attend?
- Learn from peers, not panels.
- Contribute your ideas and expertise.
- Build connections that go deeper than a business card exchange.
🪩 About ITB Berlin
ITB Berlin is the World's Leading Travel Trade Show® and an indispensable meeting place for the global tourism industry. Next to its diverse exhibition area, the ITB Berlin Convention provides forward-looking impulses with top-notch speakers. At the same time, ITB 360° offers knowledge throughout the year with articles, videos, and podcast episodes. ITB is more than just a trade show—it is a global hub for an entire industry. From 3 to 5 March 2026 ITB Berlin will celebrate its 60th anniversary.
🪩 About Hotel MOA Berlin
More than just a hotel, MOA Berlin is your all-in-one dynamic space to stay, meet, work, and connect during ITB and beyond. As an official ITB Partner Hotel, MOA Berlin stands for “Congress, Kiez & Culture”—bringing together a state-of-the-art convention center, authentic Berlin neighborhood spirit, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere under one roof. Centrally located in the heart of Berlin-Moabit, the hotel offers everything modern travelers and professionals need: an in-house fitness studio, a generous breakfast buffet, and an inspiring co-working space that fosters creativity and productivity.
Whether you’re attending ITB, hosting a meeting, or exploring the city, MOA Berlin is where urban lifestyle, warm hospitality, and professional event culture seamlessly merge."
📍 About Destination Digital
Destination Digital is a travel influencer marketing agency connecting tourism boards and travel brands with travel influencers and creators from around the world. 👉 Interested in working with travel influencers or creators ? Catch Bjorn at the event or just drop him an email at bjorn@destinationdigital.agency
🌎 About Travel Massive
The Travel Massive community connects thousands of tourism professionals, travel media, influencers and startups from around the world to meet, connect and share ideas. Our Berlin ITB meetups have been running since 2013 and have played host to some of Berlin's biggest travel meetups at venues across Berlin.
👉 Please note: When you register for this event we will may share your details (including email) with our event sponsors. There may also be photography during the evening.
Link to event pageKick off the biggest travel fair in the world with the Travel Massive community and friends in Berlin
Mingle and dance with travel influencers, DMO & hospitality representatives, startup founders and travel industry professionals from all around the world at Generator Berlin in the heart of Berlin at the start of ITB.
Grab your tickets quickly since our event with over 350 attendees sold out 2 weeks in advance last year !
Travel Massive first timer or long-standing regular, we're looking forward to welcoming you. Here's the important details:
⏱ Tuesday, March 3, 2026 @ 19:00 (until late)
📍 Generator Alexanderplatz (Otto-Braun-Straße 65, 10178 Berlin)
🎟 RSVP essential. Tickets € 10 early early birds / € 15 early birds / € 25 regular price
🍺 Some free drinks offered by our sponsors
👋 Complete your Travel Massive to connect with other attendees.
🎟️ One ticket per member (no +1's).
👋 Want to bring a team of +10 people? Get in touch.
Here's a look back at last year's epic evening...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=01j7zdEu7kc
A big thank you to our sponsors for their fantastic support. Learn more about them below.
🪩 About Generator Berlin
Pack your bags, because Berlin beckons… Whether you’re a solo traveller, raver, history nerd or just looking to explore the German capital, our experience and design-led hotel is the perfect place to stay in central Berlin.
🪩 About ITB Berlin
ITB Berlin is the World's Leading Travel Trade Show® and an indispensable meeting place for the global tourism industry. Next to its diverse exhibition area, the ITB Berlin Convention provides forward-looking impulses with top-notch speakers. At the same time, ITB 360° offers knowledge throughout the year with articles, videos, and podcast episodes. ITB is more than just a trade show—it is a global hub for an entire industry. From 3 to 5 March 2026 ITB Berlin will celebrate its 60th anniversary.
🌎 About Stripe
Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform for businesses. Millions of companies from the world's largest enterprises to the most ambitious start-ups use Stripe to accept payments, grow revenue and accelerate new business opportunities. Learn more at stripe.com/industries/travel
🤳 About FreedomPay
FreedomPay is a global leader in the travel industry with payment acceptance technology installed in many of the biggest airlines, 100+ airports, luxury cruise liners and travel plazas around the world. One unified platform technology with 1000+ integration partners is transforming the travel experience. Learn more at freedompay.com
💸 About Stay22
Stay22 helps travel creators turn content into revenue effortlessly. Their AI-powered technology connects readers’ travel intent in real time to the right products and accommodations, so creators earn more with less work. Whether you’re a blogger, publisher, or content creator, Stay22’s vast network and seamless integration mean better experiences for your readers—while you focus on what you love most: creating and exploring the world. Learn more at stay22.com
📍 About Destination Digital
Destination Digital is a travel influencer & creator marketing agency with over 15 years of experience. We connect content creators, influencers, tourism boards and travel brands from around the world via our Digital Sphere community & events and run influencer campaigns.
👉 Interested to learn more? Catch Bjorn at the party or just drop him an email at bjorn@destinationdigital.agency
🌎 About Travel Massive
The Travel Massive community connects thousands of tourism professionals, travel media, influencers and startups from around the world to meet, connect and share ideas. Our Berlin ITB meetups have been running since 2013 and have played host to some of Berlin's biggest travel meetups at venues across Berlin.
👉 Please note: When you register for this event we will may share your details (including email) with our event sponsors. There may also be photography during the evening.
Link to event pageHere's the 10 latest classified ads:
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